Justin Timberlake pays tribute to Prince in Super Bowl half-time party

Singer Justin Timberlake performs during the Super Bowl half-time show. Pics /AFP

Justin Timberlake danced his way through a club-inspired Super Bowl half-time show yesterday as he paid tribute to Prince in the late singer's hometown with a towering yet tasteful projection.

After fevered speculation on whether or how Timberlake would salute the icon as the Super Bowl came to Minneapolis, the pop star obliged midway through his performance. "Minneapolis, this is for you," Timberlake told the crowd as he sat down to a piano, the field bathed in purple light.

As Timberlake slowed down the tempo for a soulful cover of "I Would Die 4 U," footage of "Purple Rain"-era Prince shot up toward the roof (left) of the new US Bank Stadium in a smoky haze, closing with a silhouette of The Purple One with his guitar.

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